《The Sisters Brothers》摘要

"The Sisters Brothers" by Patrick deWitt is a darkly comic novel set during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s. This novel follows the journey of two brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, who are notorious hitmen employed by a powerful man known only as the Commodore. The story is unique in its structure, consisting of a series of episodic chapters that alternate perspectives between the brothers, allowing readers to explore their contrasting personalities—Eli, the introspective and morally conflicted brother, and Charlie, who revels in their violent lifestyle. The novel's central framework revolves around themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the brutal realities of life in the American West. DeWitt weaves elements of absurdity and humor throughout the narrative, juxtaposing the brothers' violent missions with their mundane experiences and desires. As they travel from Oregon to California, the setting serves as a backdrop for not only their violent escapades but also their evolving relationship and personal reflections on their actions. Eli's inner struggles provide a narrative depth that sets "The Sisters Brothers" apart from conventional Westerns. He grapples with the consequences of his life choices and seeks a sense of purpose beyond their mercenary existence. The interactions they have with a range of eclectic characters—including a gold prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm—introduce additional complexity and question the morality of their actions. Overall, Patrick deWitt's "The Sisters Brothers" is a distinctive blend of dark humor and existential inquiry, capturing the harshness of the frontier while simultaneously delving into the intimate dynamics of sibling relationships against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming society.